She continued her walk but the sound of a horse’s hoofs on the gravelled carriage sweep made her change direction and she hurried to the front of the house. Perhaps Harry had sent a messenger with good news? Her heart seemed to miss a beat. Maybe it was Monks who had discovered their whereabouts? She broke into a run.

Chapter Fifteen

Kate came to a sudden halt. ‘Perry! What are you doing here?’

He dismounted, looping the reins over the horse’s head. ‘I came to see how you and Ivy were settling in, and to make sure you wanted for nothing. I feel I haven’t done enough for either of you, especially my cousin’s children.’

‘You needn’t worry about them. Ivy seems happy enough and she gets on well with Mrs Boggis, the housekeeper. The children are having a wonderful time and they have roses in their cheeks, even after such a short time.’

‘I’m delighted to hear it. Is there anywhere I can leave Tarquin?’

‘Yes, the stables are at the far end of the house. I’ll show you.’ Kate fell into step beside him. ‘Goodfellow is still here, but Lady Lyndon sent Warrender back to Finsbury Circus. Goodfellow will look after your horse.’ She shot him a curious glance. ‘How did you find us? No one was supposed to know where we’d gone.’

‘Harry told me where to find you. Only a few people know about this country estate.’

‘You knew his true identity all along?’

‘I wouldn’t take on a client without going into their background, Kate.’

They came to a halt outside the stables, and Goodfellow emerged from the coach house.

‘Look after my horse, if you please, Goodfellow,’ Perry said, handing him the reins. ‘I’ll stay long enough to give him a rest before returning to London.’

‘Aye, sir. Your horse will be all right with me.’ Goodfellow led Tarquin into the stable.

Kate started off in the direction of the house. ‘You’re welcome to stay for the night, Perry. I’m sure we have room for one more, and you might be able to bridge the gap between Mama and Lady Lyndon.’

He eyed her curiously. ‘They don’t get on well?’

‘You could say that, although I’m afraid it’s my mother who’s at fault. She simply refuses to have anything to do with Lady Lyndon or Annie, and having Ivy’s children in the house isn’t helping.’

He chuckled. ‘I’m not sure I can do anything, but I’m willing to try.’

‘Have you met Harry’s mother?’

‘No, I haven’t.’